Most Expensive Sports Cards Sales in History
Sports cards have come a long way from being found in bubblegum packs to becoming high-stakes collectibles. They tell the story of athletes who defined their sports and eras, often serving as tangible relics of greatness. Today, they’re even fetching millions at auctions, breaking records, and making headlines. In this article, we’ll go through some of the most expensive sports cards ever sold.
Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps – $12,600,000

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When a piece of cardboard sells for $12.6 million, it’s clear it holds more than monetary value. The 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle is the most iconic card in baseball history, celebrated for its groundbreaking design and limited availability. Many of these cards were discarded in the 1950s, which means the existing high-quality copies are exceedingly rare. This particular card, in near-perfect condition, became the crown jewel of sports collectibles.
Honus Wagner 1909–11 T206 – $6,600,569

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The T206 Honus Wagner is the stuff of legends. It’s known as the “Mona Lisa of baseball cards,” and its scarcity stems from Wagner’s rumored objection to its production, either due to disliking tobacco or disputes over compensation. In 2021, one of the roughly 50 surviving copies sold for $6.6 million.
Stephen Curry 2009 National Treasures Rookie Logoman Autograph – $5,900,000

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Stephen Curry changed the way basketball is played, and his 2009 Rookie Logoman Autograph card captures his revolution in sports. This one-of-a-kind piece sold for $5.9 million, and is a tribute to Curry’s unparalleled shooting skills and his rise as one of the NBA’s most beloved stars. The card’s Logoman patch—cut from a jersey worn by Curry—and his autograph make it entirely irreplaceable.
LeBron James 2003 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Rookie Patch Autographs – $5,200,000

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This LeBron James rookie card, which fetched $5.2 million, is one of 23 ever produced–a tribute to his jersey number. It features a game-worn jersey patch and James’ autograph. The card was released during the height of the Upper Deck Exquisite Collection and is a prime example of the modern era’s craftsmanship in sports memorabilia.
Luka Dončić 2018 Panini National Treasures 1 of 1 Logoman Autograph – $4,600,000

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As a one-of-one rookie card, Luka Dončić’s 2018 Panini National Treasures Logoman Autograph card shows the rising value of modern basketball collectibles. It sold for $4.6 million in 2021. The card is notable not only for its exclusivity but also because it represents Dončić’s ascent as one of the most promising young players in the NBA.
Mike Trout 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospects Superfractor Autograph – $3,936,000

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The 2009 Bowman Chrome Mike Trout Superfractor is another one-of-a-kind card that set a new benchmark for modern baseball cards. The card sold for a whopping $3.936 million. It’s both rare and unique in that it features a gold reflective surface and Trout’s signature. Trout’s consistent performance and standing as a generational talent contribute significantly to the card’s value.
Wayne Gretzky 1979 O-Pee-Chee – $3,750,000

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Hockey’s greatest icon continues to dominate the collectible market, with a mint-condition Gretzky rookie card selling for $3.75 million. O-Pee-Chee cards from 1979 often had rough edges due to the production process, making flawless copies like this one incredibly valuable to collectors.
Tom Brady 2000 Playoff Contenders Rookie Ticket Autograph – $2,252,854

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The value of Tom Brady’s 2000 Playoff Contenders Rookie Ticket Autograph card lies in his unparalleled career trajectory. Sold for $2.25 million, this card highlights his transformation from a late-round draft pick to the NFL’s greatest quarterback. Its limited print run adds to its appeal.
Kobe Bryant 1997 Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems – Green – $2,000,000

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When it comes to visually stunning cards, few can compete with the 1997 Metal Universe set. Kobe Bryant’s Green PMG, one of only 10 ever made, sold for $2 million in 2022. The vivid green foil design, combined with Bryant’s unmatched legacy, makes this card a work of art and a tribute to one of basketball’s most electrifying players.
Giannis Antetokounmpo 2013–14 Panini National Treasures Logoman Patch Autograph – $1,857,300

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Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Logoman Patch Autograph card represents the rise of a global superstar. Sold for $1.857 million, this one-of-a-kind piece captures the early years of a player who went from being an under-the-radar pick to an NBA champion.
Kobe Bryant 1996–97 Topps Chrome Refractors #138 Rookie Card – $1,795,800

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Another Kobe Bryant masterpiece, his 1996–97 Topps Chrome Refractors Rookie Card, sold for $1.795 million. Its sleek design and status as a defining rookie card make it a prized possession for those who revere Kobe’s legacy and the artistry of card production in that era.
Michael Jordan 1997 Upper Deck Game Jersey Autographs – $1,440,000

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Michael Jordan’s 1997 Upper Deck Game Jersey Autographs card was revolutionary for its time, having been one of the first to feature a piece of game-used memorabilia. Combined with Jordan’s signature, this card sold for $1.44 million and represented a major shift in how cards could connect fans to the game.
Roberto Clemente 1955 Topps Rookie Card – $1,107,000

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The 1955 Roberto Clemente Topps rookie card is celebrated for its simple yet timeless design. Having been sold for $1.107 million, the card honors Clemente’s contributions both on and off the field. Its place in vintage card collections is further established by Clemente’s legacy as one of baseball’s most respected figures.
Anthony Davis 2012–13 Panini National Treasures NBA Logoman Rookie Patch Autographs – $1,020,000

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The 2012–13 Panini National Treasures Anthony Davis Logoman Patch Autograph card sold for $1.02 million. This one-of-one card is known for its premium design and limited-edition appeal. Its sale took place in 2021 through Goldin Auctions, a leader in high-end sports memorabilia.
Reggie Jackson 1969 Topps Rookie Card #260 – $1,005,600

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Reggie Jackson’s 1969 Topps rookie card, which sold for $1.005 million in 2021, features Jackson in his Kansas City Athletics uniform, captured mid-smile in a clean, vibrant design. As part of the prized Dmitri Young Collection, the card achieved a PSA Gem Mint 10 grade, an exceedingly rare condition for its era.